Taking the time to treat melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that produce melanin. It affects about 75,000 Americans each year. Melanoma spreads to other body parts quickly, but with early treatment and the right care many people beat the disease.

Melanoma symptoms to know

Melanoma often starts as a change in an existing mole or as a new brown or black spot. It’s not always easy to recognize the symptoms of melanoma. The ABCDE system is a quick reference that helps people spot the symptoms of melanoma early.

They are:

A – for asymmetry, a mole that is larger on one side than the other

B – for borders with uneven or notched edges

C – for color, a variety of colors. Most melanomas are either brown or black. However, melanomas can also be multi-colored, speckled, skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white.

D – for diameter, larger than 6 millimeters or the size of a pencil eraser

E – for evolving, changes in size, color or thickness

In addition, itchy or bleeding moles can also be signs of cancer.

What causes melanoma? Prevention tips

Overexposure to UV light, such as from the sun’s rays or tanning beds, is a primary cause of melanoma. After just five sunburns, the chances of getting skin cancer double. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your skin such as getting a skin cancer screening and practicing physical sunblock by wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirts.

Other risk factors for melanoma include:

Blue eyes

Blonde or red hair

Fair skin

Many skin moles – more than 100

Family history of melanoma

Treating melanoma with precision at Goshen Center for Cancer Care

Our specialists base melanoma treatment on the cancer’s stage. Knowing its exact location and if it’s affecting any other body parts is essential. Surgery is a main treatment, with immunotherapy and targeted therapy also being additional options.

At Goshen Center for Cancer Care, we always take the time to find an accurate diagnosis and the best personalized treatment for you. Request an appointment online to begin cancer care for all of you.

Goshen Center for Cancer Care treats melanoma in Goshen, IN, for patients from Warsaw, Fort Wayne, South Bend and beyond.

Discrimination is against the law. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate against, exclude or treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

Discrimination is against the law. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate against, exclude or treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.